Multi-sport standout putting finishing touches on prep career

Five-year starter has inked name into baseball record books

Five-year starter has inked name into baseball record books

April 14, 2008|By Deb Smith, dsmith@aberdeennews.com

At a time when most local baseball players were involved in youth leagues and playing on small diamonds, Justin Kline made his first start as an outfielder on the big fields for the Aberdeen Smittys American Legion team. He made his Smittys debut as an eighth-grader. His career started slowly in game one, but Kline has since developed into one of the area's top multi-sport athletes. His first look at competition at the varsity level for the Smittys was much different from the rest of his career. “It was really nerve-racking,” Kline said. “I was worried about making the team. I was the lead-off batter. Our first game was against one of the best pitchers in the state at that time. He struck me out the first couple of times.” After one year in the outfield, he moved to catcher, where he's been ever since for the Legion team and the Aberdeen high school baseball team. Catcher has been his position since early in his career. His brother, Jordan, and father, Rick, got him started. “When we were little, Jordan loved to pitch,” said Justin. “My dad threw me back there behind the plate and put the gear on me. I caught for my brother until it got dark. That's how it all began.” Now, a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli, Kline is putting the finishing touches on a high school career that few athletes could match. He will play five years for the Aberdeen Smittys and the high school baseball teams, five years of varsity basketball, four years of varsity football and two years of track and field. Kline played on two state championship squads in football (2005, 2006), three high school baseball title teams (2004, 2005, 2007) and qualified for two state track meets and one state basketball tournament. Justin played on the same state champion high school baseball team as his brother, Jordan, in 2004. Justin has played in more than 12 state tournaments or post season playoffs at the varsity level. His name has been inked into the high school baseball record book. With one season to go, he holds individual season records for runs (34), triples (4), on base percent (.557), slugging percent (.627) and walks (20). In career statistics for the high school team, Kline currently holds every offensive record except home runs, strikeouts and stolen bases. By the end of the summer, Kline will figure prominently in the Legion baseball record book as well. The Aberdeen high school baseball team, which is still looking to play its first game of the season, has seven seniors: Shane Cunningham, Blair Fredrickson, Sam Heintzman, Matt Kervin, Brandon Kinder, Kline and Steve Tellekson. They are hoping to add their fourth state crown in five years this May. Kline has also had the opportunity to observe baseball at the next level. He has attended the College World Series four times. At first he attended with a few teammates, friends and families. Recently, the Smittys Legion team has incorporated a trip to the NCAA I championships in Omaha, Neb., into its schedule. “I like to go to that more than a pro game,” said Kline. “We decided as a team to go down there and see what it's like to be a college baseball player and see how they do things.” Another step up from the college would be professional ball. “What little kid doesn't have that dream of playing professional baseball, basketball or football?” Kline said. “To be in those shoes for one day would be awesome.” The Justin Kline File Family: Parents, Rick and Patty Kline; brother, Jordan (23). Favorite athlete: Jacoby Ellsbury, center fielder for the Boston Red Sox. “I watched him in the college World Series playing for Oregon State and followed him a little in the minors. He came up to the big leagues last year.” Favorite team: Boston Red Sox. Other sports: Football and basketball. Best baseball advice ever received: “My dad told me to swing hard, just in case I hit it.” Final Four: Justin attended the Final Four men's college basketball tournament last week for the first time. Kansas rallied to beat Memphis 75-68 in overtime at San Antonio, Texas. “The last game was insane. Everyone could see it coming. Memphis can't shoot free throws.” Future plans: Will decide later this spring. Most memorable athletic accomplishment: “It was definitely our first state championship in football (2005). It was a lot of fun. It was awesome.”